Body protecting method

Abstract

An inexpensive, air permeable body protector adapted to be positioned on an elbow or heel of a bedridden patient for protecting against the development of decubitus ulcers or the like. The protector includes a resilient pad of porous foam material, the pad having a generally circular outline and a concave inner surface which defines an elbow or heel receiving pocket. A separate porous tubular knit sleeve is also provided which is adapted to be drawn onto and over the limb of the wearer and over the pad so as to surround the pad when positioned on the elbow or heel of the wearer.

That which is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for protecting a limb of a bedridden patient or the like, and characterized by a relatively smooth, soft, non-irritating surface in contact with the body of the patient where pressure is normally applied, and comprising the steps of positioning a pad of bonded discrete particles of resilient foam material on a limb of the wearer at the elbow or heel, the pad having a generally converging concavo-convex cross-sectional configuration and a generally circular peripheral edge such that the concave inner surface thereof defines a smoothly curved, non-interrupted pocket of considerable depth approximating one-half the overall diameter of the pad and receiving the elbow or heel of the wearer so as to protect the elbow or heel and adjacent surrounding areas, and   positioning a porous tubular sleeve in surrounding relation over the pad and limb of the wearer, the sleeve being free of any interconnection with the pad and being resiliently stretchable in the radial direction to facilitate positioning the sleeve over the pad and limb of the wearer and to snugly hold the pad in a desired position on the limb of the wearer.   
     
     
       2. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the pad has an overall diameter of between about six to eight inches so as to substantially fully overlie the elbow or heel of the wearer. 
     
     
       3. The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the sleeve comprises a knit fabric having a length somewhat greater than the diameter of the pad so as to completely cover the pad while holding the same in position on the limb. 
     
     
       4. The method as defined in claim 3 wherein the sleeve comprises a knit fabric of polymeric yarns to facilitate the passage of moisture and perspiration therethrough and thereby further contribute to the comfort of the wearer. 
     
     
       5. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the pad has a density of between about three to four pounds per cubic foot. 
     
     
       6. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the pad further comprises a forward portion of somewhat greater longitudinal extent than the rear portion thereof, and the pad further comprises indicia means carried on the pad for readily distinguishing the forward and rear portions to thereby facilitate the proper application of the pad on either the elbow or heel by the wearer. 
     
     
       7. The method as defined in claim 6 wherein the indicia means comprises an indentation in the surface of the pad. 
     
     
       8. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the pad has a relatively low density of about two and one-half pounds per cubic foot in the medial portion thereof to promote softness, and a relatively high density of about three and one-half to four pounds per cubic foot about the peripheral edge to provide sufficient integrity thereto.